Keeneland Racetrack

In the heart of the Bluegrass region, Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. Read this review to learn why visitors love the track.

Keeneland Racetrack, Lexington, Kentucky

Keeneland is a venue steeped in tradition. With a history of enduring legacy of Thoroughbred horse racing. Established in 1936. The Keeneland race track has grown to become one of the most popular racetracks in the United States. and offers you an unparalleled blend of history, elegance, and sporting excellence.

The History of Keeneland Racetrack

Keeneland’s beginning was driven by a group of horsemen committed to creating a model racetrack that would encompass the best of the sport. Since its opening meet in October 1936, Keeneland has remained true to its mission of preserving racing’s finest traditions.

The track’s commitment to authenticity is highlighted in its timeless architecture and dedication to maintaining the sport’s integrity. Over the decades, Keeneland has hosted many prestigious races, including the Blue Grass Stakes, which is a key preparatory race for the Kentucky Derby.

Key Events at Keeneland

Attending a race at Keeneland race course is more than just witnessing a sporting event, it’s submerging yourself in a cultural experience that blends Southern hospitality with the excitement of competition.

Keeneland hosts two primary race meets each year:

Based upon the time of year these seasonal events are popular among visitors and horse racing enthusiasts.

• Spring Meet: Usually held in April, this meet features 15 days of racing, including several Grade 1 stakes races.
• Fall Meet: Taking place in October, the fall meet offers 17 days of racing, culminating in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.

Ticketing and Admission

Keeneland racetrack offers you a variety of different ticketing options to cater to all guests:

• General Admission: Gives you access to the grounds, including the Paddock and track apron.
• Reserved Grandstand Seating: Offers you assigned seating with excellent views of the track.
• Dining Rooms: Combine gourmet dining with panoramic views of the races. Tickets can be purchased online through Keeneland’s official website.

Fees for general admission start as low as $7.00 each and range up to $15.00 depending on the day’s events.

The Grounds and Facilities

Keeneland’s 1,000-acre grounds are meticulously maintained, offering you a picturesque setting that encapsulates the beauty of Kentucky’s horse country.

The Paddock

Added to the Keeneland racetrack experience is the Paddock, where horses are saddled and paraded before each race. Surrounded by stately trees and manicured lawns, the Paddock provides fans with an intimate view of the horses and a chance to take a look at their condition before placing your bets.

Grandstand and Clubhouse

The grandstand and clubhouse areas offer a range of different seating options to enjoy, from general admission benches to luxurious private suites. The architecture creates a classic charm, with limestone facades and ivy-covered walls that take you back to the richness of an earlier era of horse racing.

Keeneland Library

If you’re interested in the history of Thoroughbred racing, the Keeneland Library is a treasure trove of resources. Opened in 1939, it is home to one of the world’s largest collections of racing literature, photographs, and memorabilia. The library is open to the public and offers a serene environment for research and reflection.

Dining at Keeneland Racetrack

Keeneland offers a variety of dining experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that every visit is both memorable and satisfying.

Equestrian Dining Room

Found perched up on the second floor of the grandstand, the Equestrian Dining Room offers you a more refined dining experience with a fantastic view of the racetrack. Guests can enjoy a seasonal menu featuring regional specialties, all while taking in the excitement of live racing.

Track Kitchen

For a more casual and authentic experience of the course, the Track Kitchen is a favorite among all the horsemen and fans. Open year-round, it serves hearty breakfasts and lunches, making it a great spot to start your day, especially if you’re doing morning workouts.

Tailgating on The Hill

Keeneland has an awe-inspiring way of encapsulating the Southern tradition of tailgating, offering a designated area known as “The Hill.” Here, you can set up their own picnics, enjoy food trucks, live music, and even different betting options, all in a beautiful festive outdoor setting.

Keeneland Racetrack Information

Understanding the layout of Keeneland will help your visit, ensuring you make the most of all the racetrack has to offer. Keeneland features not just a main dirt track, but also a turf course:

• Main Track: A 1 1/16-mile (1.7 km) dirt oval that hosts the majority of the races.
• Turf Course: Measuring 7 1/2 furlongs (1.5 km), the turf course is utilized for specific races, offering a different challenge for horses and jockeys.

Seating and Viewing Areas

The grandstand was cleverly divided into multiple levels, each of them offering unique perspectives of the track:

• Track Apron: A general admission area close to the action, perfect for those who enjoy being near the rail.
• Reserved Seating: Located on the second and third floors, these seats provide elevated views and are perfect for regular racegoers.
• Clubhouse: This offers you more upscale amenities and dining options, the clubhouse is suitable for you if you are after a more premium experience.

Parking and Accessibility

The Keeneland race course has ample parking options available to accommodate the large crowds that flock to the track during race meets. Visitors have the pleasure of choosing from:

• General Parking: Free parking is available in designated lots, with shuttle services running to and from the grandstand entrance.
• Preferred Parking: Available for a fee, these lots are closer to the entrance for added convenience.
• Valet Parking: A premium option if you prefer a hassle-free experience upon arrival.
• Handicap Accessibility: Keeneland is fully ADA-compliant, offering accessible seating, parking, and facilities throughout the venue.

For those who prefer to avoid driving, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also have designated drop-off and pick-up locations. Additionally, Keeneland also offers visitors the options of shuttle services from various points in Lexington during major race days.

Betting at Keeneland Race Track

For many visitors, betting is an integral part of the Keeneland experience. The track offers a variety of ways to place your bets, from traditional betting windows to modern self-service kiosks. The types of bets you can enjoy include:

• Win: Betting on a horse to finish first.
• Place: This is betting on a horse to finish first or second.
• Show: Betting on a horse to finish in the top three.
• Exacta: Picking the top two finishers in the correct order.
• Trifecta: Selecting the top three finishers in exact order for a bigger payout.

Keeneland also partners with Keeneland Select, an online betting platform that allows you to place your bet from their mobile devices. The venue provides betting guides and friendly attendants to help newcomers understand how everything works.

Thoroughbred Keeneland Sales

Beyond racing, Keeneland racetrack is world-famous for its horse sales, which attract buyers and sellers from around the globe. The key sales events to take note of are:

• September Yearling Sale: The world’s largest and most prestigious sale of Thoroughbred yearlings, where future champions are purchased.
• November Breeding Stock Sale: A premier sale featuring broodmares, weanlings, and stallions.
• January Horses of All Ages Sale: A diverse sale including racehorses, breeding stock, and young prospects.

Keeneland’s sales have produced some of the most successful racehorses in history, including Kentucky Derby winners and Breeders’ Cup champions. Attending a sale offers you an unparalleled glimpse into the business aspect of horse racing.

Beyond the Keeneland Racetrack

Horse racing and sales are obviously Keeneland’s main attractions, but the venue also offers you some other unique experiences to enjoy year-round.

• Keeneland Morning Workouts: Guests can watch morning workouts and enjoy breakfast at the Track Kitchen while witnessing horses train up close.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Guided tours provide an insider’s look at the paddock, grandstand, and sales pavilion.
• Keeneland Library: Open to the public, this extensive archive of racing history is a must-visit for horse racing enthusiasts.

Why Keeneland Racetrack is a Must-Visit Destination

By now, you will see that Keeneland goes far beyond being just a racetrack, it’s truly a living tribute to Thoroughbred racing, where history, tradition, and modern excellence all marry together. Whether you’re an experienced handicapper, a first-time visitor, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of horse racing, Keeneland delivers an unforgettable experience.

From its stunning grounds and iconic paddock to its world-class racing, exquisite dining, and vibrant sales, Keeneland definitely has a way of embodying the very best of the sport. A visit to this Lexington landmark isn’t just a day at the races, it’s a celebration of everything that makes horse racing special.

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